Stepping off the farm can be one of the most valuable things a grower can do, offering fresh ideas, renewed motivation and a broader view of the industry. That’s exactly what a group of Wide Bay Burnett growers experienced during the recent Pests, Dirt & Fert Horticulture Study Tour, which took them through the Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Brisbane to explore innovation, technology and collaboration across the horticulture sector.

Sometimes the best way to move a business forward is to step away from it and that’s exactly what growers from the Wide Bay Burnett region did. The three-day Pests, Dirt & Fert Study Tour offered participants a chance to explore innovation across the horticulture supply chain, from soil health and precision agriculture to post-harvest operations, research facilities, and value-add opportunities.

DAY ONE: The tour kicked off in the Fassifern Valley, where growers met with some of Queensland’s leading vegetable producers to discuss cover cropping, integrated pest management (IPM) and how precision agriculture tools are driving better production outcomes and reducing waste. These on-farm conversations proved invaluable, offering fresh ideas and practical insights that participants could adapt back home.

The day concluded in Gatton at the Sundowner networking event hosted by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, bringing together growers and industry stakeholders from across the country.

DAY TWO: Participants spent the morning at the Gatton Smart Farm Field Day, experiencing the latest AgTech innovations, including protected cropping systems, digital monitoring tools and field autonomous robotics designed to improve efficiency and sustainability. Seeing these technologies in action helped bridge the gap between research and real world application. The group then set off on a mystery tour that revealed Foodbank Queensland as the destination. Growers gained insight into how surplus produce is redistributed to support communities in need, highlighting the vital connection between the horticulture industry and food relief efforts across the state.

DAY THREE: The final day began with an early morning visit to BrisMark, Queensland’s central fruit and vegetable wholesale market, followed by a behind the scenes look at how produce moves through the state’s supply chain. The group then visited Symbio Laboratories, gaining a deeper appreciation for the critical role of testing and quality assurance in maintaining food safety, meeting export standards and ensuring market confidence. The visit offered a fascinating view of how science supports every step of the food journey, from paddock to plate.

The tour concluded at the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus, where Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) researchers presented their advanced tissue culture and genetic preservation work aimed at ensuring the sustainability and longevity of horticultural industries.

Networking and takeaways

Beyond the scheduled visits, the study tour provided invaluable networking opportunities. Travelling together across regions allowed growers to exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges and strengthen professional connections. Many commented that the conversations on the bus and over dinner were just as valuable as the formal visits, inspiring new collaborations and friendships that will continue to grow well into the future.

Overall, the Pests, Dirt & Fert Horticulture Study Tour was a rewarding experience, highlighting the value of stepping off the farm, learning from others and drawing inspiration from the wider horticultural landscape. A special thanks to everyone who helped host the tour and to the participants for being such a wonderful group, your enthusiasm and engagement made the experience truly enjoyable for all involved.

FIND OUT MORE
Please contact Jessy Logan, on 0407 366 797 or email vegnet@bfvg.com.au

The study tour was made possible through joint funding from Hort Innovation’s VegNET project (supported by the vegetable levy and the Australian Government) and a number of Growcom delivered programs including Hort360 GBR, Integrated Engagement and Capacity Building, the Farm Business Resilience Program for Horticulture and the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network, each supported by Queensland and/or Australian Government funding.